February 14, 2006

PRESIDENT'S BUDGET,
NATIONAL ARTS ADVOCACY DAY,
and ARTS DAY IN ALBANY

PRESIDENT'S BUDGET RELEASED

President Bush submitted his FY 2007 Budget proposal, increasing funding for certain programs, AND proposing disappointing cuts for some arts programs and for art education.

* National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH): The President has continued to support the NEH at its current funding of $141 million, which includes $15.2 million for the agency's We the People program.
* Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS): an increase from $32 million to $36 million
* NEA's Challenge America program: A proposed cut of $3.46 million
* Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB): cut by $53.5 million in his budget request, as well as requested that $50 million be rescinded from CPB next year, and that the advanced-funding system for CPB be eliminated.
* Arts Education at the Department of Education has received no (zero) funding in the budget request.

Please note: The $3.46 million cut to Challenge America has been diverted to other purposes at the NEA:
$1.84 million for salaries and administrative costs; $1.12 million for direct grants; $0.51 million for state and regional partnerships. The Challenge America program is comprised of $10,000 Fast Track grants, supporting underserved communities. Through this program, NEA directly funded projects in over 99% percent of all Congressional districts in 2004, up from about 75% in previous years.

This program is one of the main ways that the NEA has been able to ensure that direct funding reaches every congressional district. It is (was) about equity and access!

NATIONAL ARTS ADVOCACY DAY MARCH 13 - 14, 2006

National Arts Advocacy Day is right around the corner. The Alliance is leading the New York delegation as we advocate on behalf of the arts. National Arts Advocacy Day 2006 will be held from March 13-14, 2006, in Washington D.C. Join the delegation as we attend seminars, listen to distinguished speakers, and lobby for the arts.
For more information on this important national advocacy opportunity go to http://ww3.artsusa.org/events/2006/aad/001.asp

Arts Day in Albany is Tuesday, March 7, 2006
9:00 am - 3 pm

The Alliance urges arts constituents all over the state to be part of advocacy efforts, and to make their case for increased support of the Arts. We're asking you to:
1. Sign up for Arts Day in Albany, Tuesday, March 7, 2006. Use this link to our online registration.
2. Make appointments NOW to meet with your legislators in Albany. Give your appointment schedule to the Alliance.
3. Stay in contact with your Regional Captain about local efforts during NYS Arts Advocacy Week, February 27 - March 5.
4. Participate in the Alliance's Virtual Rally by sending emails to your legislators between February 27 and March 7.

The Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations has a long history as New York's primary service association for community based arts and cultural organizations. The Alliance provides leadership and vision, and delivers services, resources and tools that strengthen community cultural organizations. The Alliance monitors, informs and mobilizes the field on statewide and national issues affecting the arts and assists local arts agencies in building community support and developing effective grassroots public policy.

245 Love Lane, P.O. Box 96
Mattituck, NY 11952-0096
Phone (631) 298-1234 / Fax (631) 298-1101